Ray Mallon reiterated today that he pleaded guilty to disciplinary charges only to clear the way for his bid to become elected Mayor of Middlesbrough.

Ray Mallon reiterated today that he pleaded guilty to disciplinary charges only to clear the way for his bid to become elected Mayor of Middlesbrough.

To facilitate his resignation, he admitted 14 disciplinary charges following a long-running investigation into his conduct.

He told BBC Radio today: "This was a tactical move.

"I had to resign. If I hadn't have done that, then I couldn't have stood as the Mayor - because clearly as a serving police officer I could not stand for any kind of political position.

"I pleaded guilty because the proceedings had been adjourned until July. I pleaded guilty so that I can stand as the Mayor. So what I am saying to you now is this - I either pleaded guilty and tried to become the Mayor, or pleaded not guilty and missed the boat.

"Let me tell you this - 61 police officers were investigated, there was 400 criminal allegations, every single officer was cleared of every single criminal allegation two years ago."

He went on: "I had a contract with the people of Middlesbrough, they voted yes at the referendum for a Mayor, and I said I would be on that ballot paper.

"My reputation is very important but my honour is far more important, and I told the people of Middlesbrough that I would be on that ballot paper."

Mr Mallon said he had support for his Mayoral campaign from across the local community.